Nadal's rise to fame is basically because he represents the anti-Federer. Yin and yang. Not any better or worse, just opposite. Federer plays elegant and offensive attacking tennis while Nadal plays brutal and gritty counter-punching. Federer is the most naturally talented player to ever play while Nadal is the hardest worker. Federer exudes class and skill and Nadal brutality and youth. Anyone who dislikes one is bound to like the other.

Nadal definitely has character on his own but his traits are magnified by comparing him to Federer. Together they have achieved higher popularity than they ever would have separately. For Djokovic and Murray to achieve this kind of popularity they will have to take their rivalry to the next level.

LOL, I should have read the thread to make sure someone had not already posted the exact same thing I did.

Nadal is popular because he came up as Federer's nemesis. Fire vs ice, grit vs silk, rough-hewn vs smooth, counterpuncher vs attacker, moonball vs flatball (not to put him down, just wanted something concise here ). In addition, you can see the effort that goes into his game, which I think appeals to the common man.

Everything Djokovic is known for (defensive gets, physicality) was first spoken of in association with Nadal, even if he is better in some respects perhaps. Djokovic also has no unique shots or on-court persona.

I think people are attracted to Nadal's competitive atitude. They appreciate his fist pumps, vamoses, and amped up approach to the match. Nadal also helps this image by giving interviews that make him seem like Rocky Balboa.. "Thank you everybody for the support. I will try my best and keep fighting like I have my whole life".

I think people are attracted to Nadal's competitive atitude. They appreciate his fist pumps, vamoses, and amped up approach to the match. Nadal also helps this image by giving interviews that make him seem like Rocky Balboa.. "Thank you everybody for the support. I will try my best and keep fighting like I have my whole life".

Im watching the Rocky movies with a friend that has NEVER seen them. Tonight is Rocky 3 Can't wait, he's gonna be like damn, what a kick-*** movie

I like both but Rafa has achieved more than Djoko at this point (many more titles, slams, masters, etc). If Djoko continues winning at a regular pace, his popularity will increase accordingly.

Nah, Nadal had a way bigger fanbase when he had less slams than Novak has now.

It's just the way it is, you could ponder whether It's because of Nadal's on court intensity(the only who comes close is Hewitt), better (and bigger) FH, more highlight reel shots (especially Nadal's passing shots), better looks or charisma (though that's debatable depending on whom you ask) etc.

Some players just attract the bigger crowds, player's success does affect his popularity but there are various other factors that come into play.

Personally, I prefer watching Novak to Nadal, even in long rallies I just like the way Novak hits the ball off both sides, his effortless change of direction, consistent depth he gets on his shots etc. but I'm not gonna fool myself and claim that if he wins more he'll have the fanbase Nadal has, I sincerely doubt that's ever gonna happen.

The only reason Nadal is so popular to begin with is because of Federer. No one in their right mind can deny that. Inherently Nadal is no more crowd attracting that Djokovic is. Nadal is simply lucky he overlapped more in the Federer era and made the perfect foil to Federer's style.

Nadal's rise to fame is basically because he represents the anti-Federer. Yin and yang. Not any better or worse, just opposite. Federer plays elegant and offensive attacking tennis while Nadal plays brutal and gritty counter-punching. Federer is the most naturally talented player to ever play while Nadal is the hardest worker. Federer exudes class and skill and Nadal brutality and youth. Anyone who dislikes one is bound to like the other.

Nadal definitely has character on his own but his traits are magnified by comparing him to Federer. Together they have achieved higher popularity than they ever would have separately. For Djokovic and Murray to achieve this kind of popularity they will have to take their rivalry to the next level.

Great post! This really sums up why they're both so popular, your words were always in the back of my mind, and the perfect reason to their popularity